Joe Gorman, Retired Submariner and Old Salt is remembered.

(Reprinted from email announcement  to Volunteers, Sunday, August 28) 

 Today we lost a shipmate.  Old Salt, and retired Submariner, Joe Gorman passed away after fighting a rapidly progressing brain tumor only recently discovered.  His family was with him.

Joe was one of the early volunteers who helped in the construction and early operations of Spirit of South Carolina; one of the few who remained active and involved with the schooner throughout her life. His affinity for “collecting things” and membership in the Knot Tyer’s Guild was well known to all of us who worked the deck,, volunteer and professional crew alike.  One could not look in any direction, on deck or below, without seeing some examples of his contributions.

Joe, with Captain Cleveland

 He was a great teacher, and coach to us and any student who came aboard. Almost all of us benefited from an impromptu session with Joe on techniques for breaking open a dried out rock-hard knot,  or rethinking and marveling the simple effectiveness, and weakness (there aren’t any) of a well- made properly deployed bowline.

  And of course, his reputation for acquiring materials was legendary;  Rolls of manila rope for sword mats, ocean plait mats, heavy tarpaulin cloth for constructing tool bags and small boat covers, canvas strapping for creating a cargo net, Canvas repair tools. It goes on.

 

His signature white whiskers seemed to fit perfectly into the image of a 19^th century schooner’s deck. We’ll keep his memory in all those things.  

Joe, and his family's wish was that his ashes be taken to sea, aboard Spirit of South Carolina when next she slips her lines and bears away.  Can't think of a better send-off.

Last Watch
Aboard Spirit of South Carolina
October 2019